Monthly Archives: July 2014
Will the next ‘religious’ battle be fought over Vitamin K?
By Rachel Marie Stone — July 30, 2014
Yet another reason to push back — hard — against anti-vaccine scaremongering: at least seven babies have been admitted to Vanderbilt University’s Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital with cases of VKDB — Vitamin K Deficiency bleeding, which can cause brain damage, intestinal hemorrhaging, and death. It’s a relatively rare disorder. It’s also 100% preventable when […]
COMMENTARY: China’s grim religious freedom problem
By Katrina Lantos Swett — July 29, 2014
(RNS) China’s appalling religious freedom record underscores the obvious: Little has changed since Beijing shamed itself before the world 25 years ago, massacring its own people for the “crime” of demanding their rights.
SNAP’s clergy abuse victims mark 25 years and eye new targets
By David Gibson — July 29, 2014
(RNS) The leading advocacy group for people who have suffered clergy sexual abuse is wrestling with how to respond to a flood of inquiries from victims from other faiths and institutions, and how to push for changes beyond the familiar precincts of the Catholic Church.
COMMENTARY: The headlong retreat into childhood partisanship
By Tom Ehrich — July 29, 2014
(RNS) The tragic core of the partisan thinking tearing apart our nation and our world takes the form of religious extremism: There is no God but my God!
Polygamy “not popular” among Mormon pioneers, says new book
By Jana Riess — July 29, 2014
What was life like for Mormon pioneer women in polygamy? In an excellent new book, Paula Kelly Harline lets them tell us in their own words.
Jefferson Bethke fights injustice with socially-conscious candle company
By Jonathan Merritt — July 29, 2014
A candle company launched by Jefferson Bethke, the bestselling Christian author and YouTube sensation, seeks to fight injustice around the globe. Retail giant, Nordstrom, is expected to place an order soon.
Two Americans Continue Fighting Ebola Virus
By Religion News LLC — July 29, 2014
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two Americans, including a female missionary from Charlotte-based SIM (www.simusa.org), continue their battle to fight off the deadly Ebola virus in Monrovia, Liberia. Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol are serving on a joint team of people with Samaritan’s Purse and SIM. Both faith-based organizations are calling for an international response to […]
Appeals court ruling clears way for gay marriage in the heart of Bible Belt
By Richard Wolf — July 29, 2014
(RNS) A federal appeals court panel in Virginia became the second one this summer to strike down a state ban against same-sex marriage Monday (July 28), making it more likely that the Supreme Court will settle the issue as early as next year.
God’s laundry * Zen obit * Pentecostal apology : Tuesday’s Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — July 29, 2014
Presenting the wonderful ministry of the laundromat. At 107, a revered and reviled Zen master is dead. Pope Francis offers an apology to Pentecostals.
Kendrick Brothers Wrap Filming On Anticipated Fifth Movie
By Religion News LLC — July 29, 2014
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – July 29, 2014 – Alex and Stephen Kendrick—creators of hit faith films FIREPROOF and COURAGEOUS—have just wrapped principal photography on their anticipated fifth movie—a family drama with humor and heart focused on the power of prayer and its primary role in the Christian life. “We made this film to inspire, challenge and […]
Survey: Most Americans say U.S. should shelter, not rush to deport, child migrants
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — July 29, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Most Americans can make a "pretty clear distinction between the problem of the children arriving from Central America and the problem of illegal immigration in general," PRRI's Robert P. Jones said.
State Department report: Religious persecution makes migrants out of millions
By Brian Pellot — July 28, 2014
(RNS) Millions of religious and non-religious people were displaced last year according to the State Department’s latest religious freedom report, which for the first time cites Turkmenistan for escalating religious freedom violations.
Gaza violence casts a pall on Eid celebrations
By Rachel Delia Benaim — July 28, 2014
JERUSALEM (RNS) This year, instead of sweets, people are drinking black coffee without sugar, a sign of mourning in Palestinian culture. Instead of new clothes, people are sending their alms to Gaza. Instead of going on vacation, people stay home, glued to the TV set.
FEATURED VIDEO: Exploring the legacy of William Penn, Quaker leader and Pennsylvania’s founder
By Mary Herndon — July 28, 2014
This week in 1718, William Penn died. He was the founder of the state of Pennsylvania as well as the a well-known leader of the Religious Society of Friends, whose members are colloquially known as “Quakers.”
In the battle against Ebola, a struggle for hearts and minds
By Rachel Marie Stone — July 28, 2014
Battling Ebola is about more than just beating back a deadly virus that attacks the body. It's about persuading people that traditional religion and contemporary medicine aren't at odds.
